Being the smitten Over The Rhine fan that I am, I have found that most things in my life can be, either directly or indirectly, related to a song of this, my favorite band ever.  Basically, they have written the soundtrack for my soul.

I recently moved into a new space.  After wading through countless Craigslist ads and laughing, sighing, and sometimes shreiking in sheer horror at what I found, I finally discovered my new little home.  I am renting a room in a lovely home in a, well, shall we say, “vibrant and exciting” neighborhood–tonight on my way home from an evening out with friends I encountered a “Sobriety Checkpoint” about two blocks from my home.  Interesting.

But in then end, I’m actually quite delighted to be living here as I am across the street from THE BEST GROCERY EVER (which, among other fabulous features, has an entire bakery case dedicated solely to baklava–every shape and size you can imagine)!   I am also across the street from the gym (where I work off the previously purchased and devoured baklava).

My absolute FAVORITE amenity about my new place is the dog.  Lily.  She is a 7 year old golden retriever and I love her so.  I am a dog girl straight through to my marrow.  I have tolerated and even come to regard with affection the various roomcats that I have lived with over the years.  But there is just really nothing like the unconditional love and loyalty of a dog.

Since day one, Lily has accepted me with all the excitement and love as if I had known her since birth.  She welcomes me home with a bright smile and her tail thumping wildly so happy that I am finally home to shower her with love and attention.  She stops by my room in the evening to scope everything out and make sure all is well for the night.  And, since my very first night, she has stationed herself right outside my door and sleeps there all night.  Sometimes I can hear her throw herself against the door as she lays down.  Other times I see her reassuring little paw sticking partly under the door.  I tell you, I don’t care what goes down outside this house, I have never felt so safe and protected and looked after as I do with that amazing little creature out there guarding my door.

Thanks Lil!  Glad to know a roomdog like you has got my back

Who will guard the door
When I am sleeping
Who will guard the door
When I am sleeping
I’m not sleeping

–Over The Rhine